Seat sliding device

ABSTRACT

Provided is a seat sliding device. The seat sliding device comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a lock portion, an elastically deforming portion, and a releasing member. The lock portion is displaceable between a restraint position and a release position. The elastically deforming portion comprises: a linear portion that is an elastically deformable portion extending in a direction approximately parallel to a longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail; and an engaging portion protruding from an extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the linear portion. The releasing member comprises: a first engaged surface that is contactable with the engaging portion from one end side in the extending direction; and a second engaged surface that is contactable with the engaging portion from the other end side in the extending-direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/603,823 filed on May 24, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-105307 filed on May 26, 2016 with the Japan Patent Office and Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-094076 filed on May 10, 2017 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a seat sliding device that slidably supports a seat.

For example, a seat sliding device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-067142 (Patent Document 1) is configured such that a lock portion having a rectangular wave-like bent shape is displaced in a vertical direction approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a movable-side rail to thereby switch between a restrained state, in which sliding of the movable-side rail with respect to a fixed-side rail is restrained, and a released state, in which the restrained state is released.

The lock portion is supported by two linear elastically deforming portions provided at both ends of the lock portion across the lock portion. The lock portion and the two linear elastically deforming portions according to Patent Document 1 has an integral shape formed by applying bending processing to a single linear material.

A leading end portion of one linear elastically deforming portion (hereinafter also referred to as a first elastically deforming portion) of the two linear elastically deforming portions engages with a releasing member. A leading end portion of the other linear elastically deforming portion thereinafter also referred to as a second elastically deforming portion) of the two linear elastically deforming portions engages with the movable-side rail.

The releasing member is a member configured to switch a deformed state of the first elastically deforming portion and the second elastically deforming portion. When the releasing member is operated directly or indirectly by a vehicle occupant or the like, the lock portion is brought into the restrained state or the released state.

SUMMARY

The releasing member disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises two side walls and a lid wall that couples the two side walls to each other. The releasing member is shaped so as to have a C-like or U-like open sectional shape and is of metal. The first elastically deforming portion comprises two linear portions that are elastically deformable and two engaging portions that each engage with the corresponding side wall.

Leading end portions of the two linear portions are provided between the two side walls. Each of the two engaging portions is a protruding portion formed by bending the leading end portion of each linear portion by approximately 90 degrees toward the corresponding side wall. Each engaging portion is caught with a corresponding engagement concave portion provided to the corresponding side wall to thereby engage with the corresponding engagement concave portion.

Thus, for example, when a force in a direction to pull out the releasing member from the movable-side rail (hereinafter referred to as a pull-out force) acts on the releasing member, an angle between each engaging portion and the corresponding linear portion may be increased to thereby decrease an engaging force to engage the engaging portion with the releasing member.

The present disclosure provides a seat sliding device in which a significant decrease in the engaging force can be inhibited.

In the present disclosure, a seat sliding device that slidably supports a seat comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a lock portion, an elastically deforming portion, and a releasing member. The movable-side rail is slidable with respect to the fixed-side rail and is configured to support the seat. The lock portion is displaceable between a restraint position, in which sliding of the movable-side rail with respect to the fixed-side rail is restrained, and a release position, in which such restraint is eliminated. The elastically deforming portion is elastically deformable between a state supporting the lock portion in the restraint position and a state supporting the lock portion in the release position. The elastically deforming portion comprises: a linear portion that is an elastically deformable portion extending in a direction approximately parallel to a longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail; and an engaging portion protruding from an extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the linear portion. The releasing member is configured to switch a deformed state of the elastically deforming portion. The releasing member comprises: a first engaged surface that is contactable with the engaging portion from one end side in the extending direction; and a second engaged surface that is contactable with the engaging portion from the other end side in the extending direction.

In this way, in the present disclosure, the engaging portion is configured to be held between the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface. This enables a configuration in which, even when the pull-out force acts on the releasing member, a bending moment to increase an angle between the engaging portion and the linear portion is less likely to act on the engaging portion.

Thus, in the present disclosure, the pull-out force is not compensated by a bending stress generated at a base portion of the engaging portion, i.e., a joining portion at which the engaging portion and the linear portion are joined together, but the pull-cut force can be compensated by a shear force generated at a section of the base portion. As a result, it is possible to obtain the seat sliding device in which a significant decrease in the engaging force can be inhibited.

The first engaged surface and the second engaged surface may constitute side walls of an engagement groove extending in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending direction. A sectional shape of a portion where the engagement groove is arranged in the releasing member may be a closed sectional shape. The engagement groove and the releasing member may be one piece.

This makes it possible to form the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface easily and to improve stiffness of the releasing member.

The linear portion may comprise a first linear portion and a second linear portion respectively provided at one side and at the other side across the releasing member. The engaging portion may comprise a first engaging portion provided to the first linear portion and a second engaging portion provided to the second linear portion. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may be provided at a position allowing for contact with the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface.

In this way, leading ends of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are each positioned within the engagement groove. Thus, a bending moment to increase the angle between each engaging portion and the corresponding linear portion is less likely to act on the engaging portion.

A position in which the engaging portion contacts the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface may be between one end and the other end of the releasing member in a height direction, which is a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending direction of the linear portion and to a protruding direction of the engaging portion. This makes it possible to reduce a height dimension of the movable-side rail, and thus of the seat sliding device.

The movable-side rail may comprise two side walls that are approximately perpendicular to a protruding direction of the engaging portion. A configuration may be employed in which the two side walls are in contact with the linear portion to thereby enable the engaging portion to be inhibited from being displaced in a direction away from the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface.

This reliably enables the configuration in which the bending moment to increase the angle between the engaging portion and the linear portion is less likely to act on the engaging portion.

The movable-side rail may comprise a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion that inhibit the releasing member from being displaced in a direction approximately parallel to a protruding direction of the engaging portion with respect to the movable-side rail. The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion may be provided between the lock portion and the first and/or second engaged surfaces.

This reliably enables the configuration in which the bending moment to increase the angle between the engaging portion and the linear portion is less likely to act on the engaging portion.

Each of the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface may comprise a guide surface inclined with respect to the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface, respectively, at one end side thereof in the height direction. This enables easy engagement of the engaging portion with the engagement groove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view showing an assembled state of a seat sliding device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sea sliding device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the seat sliding device according to the first embodiment (a sectional view viewed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction);

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lock spring according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a partial vertical sectional view of the seat sliding, device according, to the first embodiment cut at a width-direction center thereof;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along a line VI-VI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of part of a movable-side rail (a part A in FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fixed-side rail according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which a lid wall is imaginably removed from the movable-side rail according to the first embodiment, viewed in a direction of an arrow C in FIG. 10;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a deformed stale of the lock spring according to the first embodiment and operation of a releasing member;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the releasing member according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a part A in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of an engagement groove, an engaging portion, and so on according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 14A is a view of an engaging portion according to the first embodiment viewed in a horizontal direction, and FIG. 14B is a view of the engaging portion according to the first embodiment viewed in a vertical direction;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along a line XV-XV in FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a view showing a feature of a releasing member according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 17A is a sectional view of an engagement groove according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 17B is a side view of the engagement groove according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a view showing a structure in which a releasing lever and a loop handle are coupled to each other in a third embodiment;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a seat sliding device according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a view showing the releasing lever and the loop handle in the third embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a view showing the releasing lever and the loop handle in the third embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a view showing an engagement portion of the loop handle according to the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An “embodiment” to be described below shows one example of embodiments belonging to the technical scope of the present disclosure. That is, invention-specifying matters recited in the claims are not limited to specific configurations, structures, and so on shown in the present embodiment.

Arrows and the like on the drawings indicating directions are intended to facilitate understanding of relationships between the drawings. The arrows and the like (directions) on the drawings do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

A member or a portion described at least with a reference numeral attached thereto is at least one in number except in the presence of indication such as “a plurality of” and “two or more”.

First Embodiment

In the present embodiment, an explanation will be given about a seat sliding device that slidably supports a rear seat of a car. As shown in FIG. 1, a seat sliding device 1 is provided to a vertically lower end of a seat S.

1. Overview of Seat Sliding Device

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat sliding device 1 comprises at least a fixed-side rail 3, a movable-side rail 5, a lock spring 7, and a releasing member 9. As shown in FIG. 1, the fixed-side rail 3 is fixed on a floor panel or the like of a vehicle such that a longitudinal direction of the fixed-side rail 3 corresponds to a front-rear direction of the vehicle (a front-rear direction of the seat).

The movable-side rail 5 is assembled to the seat S and supports the seat S. Further, the movable-side rail 5 is assembled to the fixed-side rail 3 so as to be slidable with respect to the fixed-side rail 3. The seat S is slidable, integrally with the movable-side rail 5, with respect to the fixed-side rail 3 in a vehicle front-rear direction.

The seat sliding device 1 is provided to each width-direction side of the seat S. The seat S is assembled to the vehicle via the two seat sliding devices 1 per seat. The width direction of the seat S corresponds to a vehicle width direction, i.e., a vehicle left-right direction.

The lock spring 7 is a member configured to restrain sliding of the movable-side rail 5 with respect to the fixed-side rail 3. The releasing member 9 is a member configured to eliminate such restraint by the lock spring 7. The releasing member 9 is operated directly or indirectly by a vehicle occupant.

2. Overview of Fixed-Side Rail and Movable-Side Rail

As shown in FIG. 3, the fixed-side rail 3 comprises an open-sectional portion 3D configured to have a C-like shape or a U-like shape. The open-sectional portion 3D comprises two side walls 3A and 3B and a lid wall 3C that couples the two side walls 3A and 3B to each other. The two side walls 3A and 38 and the lid wall 3C extend in a strip-like manner in the longitudinal direction of the fixed-side rail 3.

The fixed-side rail 3 is a metal member. Specifically, the fixed-side rail 3 is formed by pressing a rolled steel plate. The two side walls 3A and 38 and the lid wall 3C (i.e., the open-sectional portion 3D) are of metal and integrally formed.

The movable-side rail 5 comprises an open-sectional portion 5D and two track portions 5F. The open-sectional portion 5D is a portion configured to have a C-like shape or a U-like shape, and comprises two side walls 5A and 5B and a lid wall 5C that couples the two side walls 5A and 5B to each other. The seat S is assembled on the lid wall 5C of the movable-side rail 5.

The two track portions 5F are provided on both width-direction sides (both left-right-direction sides) of the open-sectional portion 5D across the open-sectional portion 5D, and are in rolling contact with a plurality of rolling elements 11A to 11D. The movable-side rail 5 is a metal member. Specifically, the movable-side rail 5 is formed by pressing a rolled steel plate.

The two side walls 5A and 5B, the lid wall 5C, and the two track portions 5F extend in a longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail 5. The two side walls 5A and 5B and the lid wall 5C (i.e., the open-sectional portion 5D) and the two track portions 5F are of metal and integrally formed.

A direction approximately parallel to a direction from a side of the lid wall 5C toward an open side of the movable-side rail 5 is hereinafter referred to as a “height direction”. The “height direction” corresponds to a vertical direction (an up-down direction) in a state in which the seat sliding device 1 is assembled to the vehicle.

Load acting on the movable-side rail 5 is received by the fixed-side rail 3 via the plurality of rolling elements 11A to 11D. Such load comprises the force of gravity acting on the seat S, the farce of gravity acting on the vehicle occupant sitting on the seat S, and so on.

The rolling elements 11A to 11D are spheres such as steel balls. The rolling elements 11A to 11D are each in rolling contact with the fixed-side rail 3 and the movable-side rail 5 (specifically, the two truck portions 5F). Such a configuration allows the movable-side rail 5 to be slidable in the longitudinal direction (the front-rear direction), while limiting displacement with respect to the fixed-side rail 3 in the width direction (left-right direction).

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the rolling elements 11A to 11D respectively provided to retainers 11E to 11H is two in number for each longitudinal end thereof. The rolling elements 11A to 11D are respectively retained by the retainers 11E to 11H.

3. Overview of Lock Spring

As shown in FIG. 4, the lock spring 7 comprises a lock portion 7A, a first elastically deforming portion 7B, and a second elastically deforming portion 7C.

The lock portion 7A is a portion configured to restrain sliding of the movable-side rail 5 with respect to the fixed-side tail 3. The first elastically deforming portion 7B and the second elastically deforming portion 7C are portions configured to displaceably support the lock portion 7A.

<Lock Portion>

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lock portion 7A is displaceable between a restraint position, in which sliding of the movable-side rail 5 with respect to the fixed-side rail 3 is restrained, and a release position, in which such restraint is eliminated.

In the present embodiment, a position of the lock portion 7A indicated by solid lines in FIGS. 5 and 6 is the restraint position. A position of the lock portion 7A indicated by chain double-dashed lines in FIGS. 5 and 6 is the release position. The lock portion 7A is displaceable in the height direction. Within a displaceable range of the lock portion 7A, a vertically upper position is the restraint position, and a vertically lower position is the release position.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lock portion 7A comprises a plurality of engagement portions 71 and 72. Each of the engagement portions 71 and 72 is a portion having a rectangular wave-like shape formed by a linear material bent into a C-like shape or a U-like shape.

As shown in FIG. 6, each engagement portion 71 protrudes toward the side walls 3A and 5A (in the present embodiment, to the left). Each engagement portion 72 protrudes toward the side walls 3B and 5B (in the present embodiment, to the right).

As shown in FIG. 7, each of the side walls 5A and 5B comprises a plurality of cut-outs 51 arranged at a longitudinally middle portion thereof (only the side wall 5A is shown in FIG. 7). Each track portion 5F comprises a plurality of cut-outs 52 arranged at a longitudinally middle portion thereof (only one of the track portions 5F is shown in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of cut-outs 51 are arranged to each of the side walls 5A and 5B. The plurality of cut-outs 52 are arranged to each of the two track portions 5F.

As shown in FIG. 6, the respective cut-outs 51 and 52 are through-holes, into which the linear material constituting the engagement portions 71 and 72 can fit. The through-holes constituting the cut-outs 51 and 52 each have a shape like an elongated hole extending in the vertical direction (the height direction).

As shown in FIG. 6, in a state in which each of the engagement portions 71 and 72 fits into the corresponding cut-out 51, each of the engagement portions 71 and 72 fits into the corresponding cut-out 52. Thus, each of the engagement portions 71 and 72 is engaged with an engagement piece 53 provided between the adjacent cut-outs 51 and with an engagement piece 54 provided between the adjacent cut-outs 52.

As shown in FIG. 3, provided facing the two side walls 5A and 5B of the movable-side rail 5 are respectively opposing walls 3E and 3F of the fixed-side rail 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the opposing walls 3E and 3F are strip-plate-like portions extending in the longitudinal direction, and are each formed integrally with the open-sectional portion 3D by press forming.

Each of the opposing walls 3E and 3F comprises a plurality of cut-outs 31 arranged at a longitudinally middle portion thereof. Each cut-out 31 is a concave recess into which the linear material constituting the engagement portions 71 and 72 can fit. The recess constituting each cut-out 31 is like a U-shaped elongated hole extending in the vertical direction (the height direction).

In a state in which each of the engagement portions 71 and 72 fits into the corresponding cut-out 31, an engagement piece 32 provided between the adjacent cut-outs 31 (see FIG. 8) and the corresponding engagement portion 71 or 72 can be engaged with each other.

A position in which the engagement portions 71 and 72 are engaged with the engagement pieces 53, 54, and 32 is the restraint position, whereas a position in which the engagement portions 71 and 72 are spaced apart from the engagement pieces 53, 54, and 32 (i.e., spaced apart from the cut-outs 51, 52, and 31) is the release position.

<First and Second Elastically Deforming Portions>

As shown in FIG. 4, in the lock spring 7, the first elastically deforming portion 7B is positioned at one longitudinal end side of the lock portion 7A (in the present embodiment, at a vehicle front side). The second elastically deforming portion 7C is positioned at the other longitudinal end side of the lock portion 7A (in the present embodiment, at a vehicle rear side).

As shown in FIG. 5, the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the second elastically deforming portion 7C are housed in the open-sectional portion 5D, and are elastically deformable between a state supporting the lock portion 7A in the restraint position and a state supporting the lock portion 7A in the release position.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first elastically deforming portion 7B comprises a linear portion 73 and an engaging portion 74. The linear portion 73 is an elastically deformable portion extending in a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail 5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the linear portion 73 comprises a first linear portion 73A and a second linear portion 73B.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, in the first elastically deforming portion 7B, the first linear portion 73A and the second linear portion 73B are respectively provided at one width-direction side and at the other width-direction side across the releasing member 9.

The engaging portion 74 is a portion protruding from an extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion 73, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending direction. The engaging portion 74 comprises a first engaging portion 74A provided to the first linear portion 73A and a second engaging portion 74B provided to the second linear portion 73B.

The first engaging portion 74A protrudes from a leading end of the first linear portion 73A toward the second linear portion 73B. The second engaging portion 74B protrudes from a leading end of the second linear portion 73B toward the first linear portion 73A.

The engaging portion 74 is formed by plastically processing (bending) the leading end side of the linear portion 73. The engaging portion 74 and the linear portion 73 are formed integrally with each other. A leading end of the first engaging portion 74A and a leading end of the second engaging portion 74B are displaceable in the width direction so as to come in contact with each other or so as to be spaced apart from each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second elastically deforming portion 7C is configured approximately similarly to the first elastically deforming portion 7B. The second elastically deforming portion 7C comprises a linear portion 75 and an engaging portion 76. The linear portion 75 is an elastically deformable portion extending in a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail 5 from the lock portion 7A toward the other longitudinal end side (the vehicle rear side). The linear portion 75 comprises a first linear portion 75A and a second linear portion 75B.

The first linear portion 75A is provided at one width-direction side of the luck spring 7, and is approximately parallel to an extending direction of the first linear portion 73A. The second linear portion 75B is provided al the other width-direction side of the lock spring 7, and is approximately parallel to an extending direction of the second linear portion 73B.

The engaging portion 76 is a portion protruding from extending-direction leading end portions of the linear portions 75A and 75B, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending direction. The engaging portion 76 is configured so as to couple the extending-direction leading end of the first linear portion 75A and the extending-direction leading end of the second linear portion 75B to each other.

The linear portions 75A and 75B are integrated with each other via the engaging portion 76 at their extending-direction lending end side. The first elastically deforming portion 7B, the lock portion 7A, and the second elastically deforming portion 7C are one piece formed by applying bending processing to a single linear material.

4. Structure, Etc., of Releasing Member

As shown in FIG. 10, the releasing member 9 is a member configured to switch a deformed state of the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the second elastically deforming portion 7C.

The releasing member 9 is a lever-like-shaped member extending from a side of the first elastically deforming portion 7B toward one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5 (in the present embodiment, toward the vehicle front side). The releasing member 9 is provided between the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the lid wall 5C in the open-sectional portion 5D. In other words, the releasing member 9 extends toward the vehicle front side with respect to the lock portion 7A.

As shown in FIG. 11, an operation portion 13 is provided at one longitudinal end side of the releasing member 9. The operation portion 13, which is one example of a handle portion operated directly or indirectly by the vehicle occupant, protrudes from one longitudinal end (in the present embodiment, from a front end) of the movable-side rail 5. The releasing member 9 has a closed sectional shape, and is one piece of metal. The operation portion 13 and the releasing member 9 are integrally formed with each other.

Provided at the other longitudinal end side of the releasing member 9 is a pressing portion 9A. The pressing portion 9A comes in contact with the lock portion 7A from a side of the lid wall 5C. When an operation force is applied to the operation portion 13, the pressing portion 9A presses the lock portion 7A from the restraint position to the release position by means of the operation force.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the releasing member 9, provided between the pressing portion 9A and an engagement groove 9C is a fulcrum portion 9B having a convex shape protruding toward the lid wall 5C. The fulcrum portion 9B contacts the lid wall 5C at a portion on the side of the first elastically deforming portion 7B, to thereby constitute a pivot center of the releasing member 9.

In a state in which the operation force is not applied to the operation portion 13 (a state indicated by solid lines in FIG. 10), the pressing portion 9A is pressed toward the lid wall 5C, i.e., toward a vertically upward side, by means of an elastic force applied from the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the second elastically deforming portion 7C. Thus, in the state in which the operation force is not applied to the operation portion 13, the operation portion 13 is positioned on a vertically lower side.

When the operation force to move the operation portion 13 toward the vertically upward side is applied to the operation portion 13, the pressing portion 9A is displaces about the fulcrum portion 93, which is the pivot center, toward a vertically downward side (see chain double-dashed lines in FIG. 10). Thus, the lock portion 7A is displaced toward the vertically downward side and brought into the release position. Then, when the aforementioned operation force disappears, the lock portion 7A is restored to the restraint position by means of a restoring force of the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the second elastically deforming portion 7C.

The engagement groove 9C shown in FIG. 11 is one example of an engaged portion with which the engaging portion 74 engages. The engagement groove 9C is a groove that extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the linear portion 73 and that is open on a side opposite the lid wall 5C. The engagement groove 9C is a groove that extends in a width direction of the releasing member 9 and that is open on the vertically lower side.

As shown in FIG. 12, the engagement groove 9C comprises a first engaged surface 9D and a second engaged surface 9E. The first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E face each other in the extending direction of the linear portion 73 to constitute side walls of the engagement groove 9C.

The first engaged surface 9D is a surface that can contact the engaging portion 74 from one extending-direction end side (in the present embodiment, from the vehicle front side). The second engaged surface 9E is a surface that can contact the engaging portion 74 from the other extending-direction end side (in the present embodiment, from the vehicle rear side).

The first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 74B are positioned at a position allowing for contact with the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E. It is preferred that the leading ends of the first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 74B be each positioned at an extending-direction center of the engagement groove 9C (see FIG. 13).

It is preferred that a length of the first engaging portion 74A in contact with the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E and a length of the second engaging portion 74B in contact with the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E be each approximately one-half of an extending-direction length of the engagement groove 9C.

In a free state in which no force of constraint acts on the linear portion 73 of the first elastically deforming portion 7B, the leading ends of the first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 74B are spaced apart from each other. Thus, in the present embodiment, a position of the engaging portion 74 is limited by utilizing a configuration in which the two side walls 5A and 5B constitute walls approximately perpendicular to a protruding direction of the engaging portion 74.

In a state in which the lock spring 7 and the releasing member 9 are assembled to the movable-side rail 5, as shown in FIG. 13, the side wall 5A and the first linear portion 73A are in contact with each other, and the side wall 5B and the second linear portion 73B are in contact with each other. Thus, displacement of the first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 74B in such a direction as to be spaced apart from the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E is limited.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the releasing member 9, a sectional shape of a portion where the engagement groove 9C is arranged is a closed sectional shape. A side of a bottom portion 9F of the engagement groove 9C, i.e., vertically upper ends of the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E, is closed by the bottom portion 9F.

The releasing member 9 and the engagement groove 9C, i.e., the releasing member 9 and the first and second engaged surfaces 9D and 9E, are of metal and integrally formed. In the present embodiment, such integral formation is achieved by plastically processing a pipe member of a square tubular shape.

Provided at one height-direction end side tin the present embodiment, at a lower end side) of the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E are, respectively, guide surfaces 9G and 9H, which are inclined with respect to the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E, respectively.

The guide surfaces 9G and 9H are configured such that a distance therebetween becomes larger toward one height-direction end side thereof (in the present embodiment, toward a lower end side thereof) and such that the distance between the guide surfaces 9G and 9H becomes smaller as being measured in a position closer to the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E.

The guide surfaces 9G and 9H are formed integrally with the first engaged surface 9D, the second engaged surface 9E, and the bottom portion 9F when the engagement groove 9C is formed by plastic processing. A position in which the engaging portion 74 contacts with the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E is between one height-direction ends and the other height-direction ends of the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E.

In a portion where the engagement groove 9C is provided, the engaging portion 74 is positioned between one height-direction end (an upper end) and the other height-direction end (a lower end) of the releasing member 9 to contact the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E.

Thus, the engaging portion 74 is held between the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E while being in contact with the bottom portion 9F, and the position in which the engaging portion 74 contacts the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E is between the guide surfaces 9G and 9H and the bottom portion 9F.

As shown in FIG. 9, the movable-side rail 5 comprises a first limiting portion 5G and a second limiting portion 5H. The first limiting portion 5G and the second limiting portion 5H are limiting portions that limit displacement of the releasing member 9 with respect to the movable-side rail 5 in a direction approximately parallel to the protruding direction of the engaging portion 74, i.e., in the width direction.

The first limiting portion 5G and the second limiting portion 5H are provided between the engagement groove 9C and the lock portion 7A. In the present embodiment, in addition to the first limiting portion 5G and the second limiting portion 5H, portions 5J and 5K respectively on the two side walls 5B and 5A facing the pressing portion 9A also function as the aforementioned limiting portions.

The first limiting portion 5G and the second limiting portion 5H are configured with cut-and-raised pieces formed by respectively cutting and raising part of the two side walls 5A and 5B. Each cut-and-raised piece is a portion formed through a “cutting and raising processing” as below.

First, a U-like-shaped through-hole is formed through part of each side walls 5A and 5B by press working or the like. Next, a section surrounded by the through-hole is raised from the corresponding side wall while being bent into an approximately L-like shape by press working or the like, and the section becomes the cut-and-raised piece.

5. Engagement Structure of Second Elastically Deforming Portion

As shown in FIG. 5, the second elastically deforming portion 7C engages with a cut-and-raised piece 55 provided to the movable-side rail 5, shown in FIG. 14A, the cut-and-raised piece 55 comprises an engaged portion 55A. The engaged portion 55A is a protruding piece with which the engaging portion 76 is caught and engaged.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the cut-and-raised piece 55 is provided to each of the two side walls 5A and 5B. The cut-and-raised piece 55 is shaped into an approximately L-like shape by being cut and raised such that a joining portion 55B at which the cut-and-raised piece 55 and each of the side walls 5A and 5B are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5 (in the present embodiment, on the vehicle rear side) with respect to a corresponding leading-end portion 55C.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 14A, a through-hole 55D penetrating each of the two side walls 5A and 5B is generated in a specified area thereof ranging from the joining portion 55B toward the one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5 (in the present embodiment, toward the vehicle front side) in each of the two side walls 5A and 5B.

The engaged portion 55A is a U-like-shaped recess portion recessed in a direction from an upper end 55E of the cut-and-raised piece 55 toward the open side of the movable-side rail 5 (toward the vertically lower side). The engaging portion 76 runs through the engaged portion 55A in a thickness direction of the cut-and-raised piece 55 (in the present embodiment, in the width direction).

The cut-and-raised piece 55 is configured with a protruding piece extending from the vehicle rear side to the vehicle front side, and the engaging portion 76 is caught with the cut-and-raised piece 55 from a vertically upper end thereof and engages with the cut-and-raised piece 55.

6. Structure for Assembling Releasing Member to Movable-Side Rail

<Assembling Structure>

As described above, the releasing member 9 is provided between the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the lid wall 5C. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the movable-side rail 5 comprises a restricting portion 56 provided on the one longitudinal end side thereof (in the present embodiment, on the vehicle front side).

As shown in FIG. 15, the restricting portion 56 is a portion configured to provide a space through which an insertion-side end of the releasing member 9 can be inserted between the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the lid wall 5C. The insertion-side end means an end of the releasing member 9 located on a side of the lock portion 7A.

In other words, the restricting portion 56 is a portion configured to inhibit a distance between the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the lid wall 5C from being equal to or less than an end height dimension T1 of the releasing member 9. Specifically, in a state in which the releasing member 9 is not assembled to the movable-side rail 5, the first elastically deforming portion 7B is in contact with the restricting portion 56 as shown by chain double-dashed lines in FIG. 15. Thus, the distance between the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the lid wall 5C is inhibited from being smaller.

As shown in FIG. 11, the end height dimension T1 is a height-direction dimension of the releasing member 9 at the end located on the side of the lock portion 7A. The end height dimension T1, i.e., a height dimension of the pressing portion 9A, is a height dimension of a portion whose height dimension is smallest in the releasing member 9. The height dimension of the releasing member 9 becomes larger in a direction from the pressing portion 9A toward the fulcrum portion 9B.

As shown in FIG. 15, the restricting portion 56 is provided to each of the two side walls 5A and 5B. Provided to the side wall 5A is a first restricting portion 56A, and provided to the side wall 5B is a second restricting portion 56B.

The first restricting portion 56A is configured with a protruding piece protruding from the side wall 5A toward the side wall 5B. The second restricting portion 56B is configured with a protruding piece protruding from the side wall 5B toward the side wall 5A.

The protruding pieces constituting the first restricting portion 56A and the second restricting portion 56B are inclined with respect to the height direction of the seat sliding device 1. The first restricting portion 36A and the second restricting portion 56B are cut-and-raised pieces formed by cutting and raising part of the two side walls 5A and 5B, respectively. A base portion 56C of each of the first restricting portion 56A and the second restricting portion 56B is located vertically upper than a leading end 56D of each of the first restricting portion 56A and the second restricting portion 56B.

Thus, the first restricting portion 56A and the second restricting portion 56B are inclined with respect to the height direction such that the closer to the base portion 56C, the closer to the side walls 5A and 5B, respectively. The first restricting portion 56A and the second restricting portion 56B are hereinafter referred to as the restricting portion 56 when referred to collectively.

As shown in FIG. 9, the restricting portion 56 is provided at a position allowing for contact with the linear portion 73 and the extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion 73. Further provided to the releasing member 9 is a sliding contact portion 9J with which the engaging portion 74 is slidingly contactable.

The sliding contact portion 9J is provided to a portion that is on a side of the first elastically deforming portion 7B in the releasing member 9 and that extends from the side of the lock portion 7A to the engagement groove 9C. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, width-direction both ends of an underside of the releasing member 9 extending from the pressing portion 9A to the engagement groove 9C each correspond to the sliding contact portion 9J.

<Assembling Method>

In an operation of assembling the releasing member 9 to the movable-side rail 5, an operator first assembles the lock spring 7 to the movable-side rail 5 with the lid wall 5C of the movable-side rail 5 positioned on a vertically lower side.

Specifically, the operator fits the engagement portions 71 and 72 of the lock portion 7A into the corresponding cut-outs 51 and 52, and engages the engaging portion 76 of the second elastically deforming portion 7C with the engaged portion 55A. At this time, the first elastically deforming portion 7B is brought into a state in which the leading end portion of the linear portion 73 and the linear portion 73 are in contact with the restricting portion 56 (see FIG. 15).

Next, the operator inserts the pressing portion 9A of the releasing member 9 into an interspace between the lock spring 7 and the lid wall 5C. At this time, the releasing member 9 is inserted toward the lock portion 7A with the engaging portion 74 being in sliding contact with the sliding contact portion 9J and with a top portion of the fulcrum portion 9B being in sliding contact with the lid wall 5C.

Then, when the engaging portion 74 is fitted into the engagement groove 9C, the operation of inserting the releasing member 9 ends. When the engaging portion 74 is fitted into the engagement groove 9C, a force required for insertion is increased sharply, and thus, the operator can easily detect that the engaging portion 74 has been fitted into the engagement groove 9C.

7. Features of Seat Sliding Device

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the engaging portion 74 is configured to be held between the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E. This enables a configuration in which, even when a force in a direction to pull out the releasing member 9, i.e., a pull-out force, acts on the releasing member 9, a bending moment to increase an angle between the engaging portion 74 and the linear portion 73 is less likely to act on the engaging portion 74.

Thus, in the present embodiment, a configuration is achieved in which the pull-out force is not compensated by a bending stress generated at a base portion of the engaging portion 74, i.e., a joining portion at which the engaging portion 74 and the linear portion 73 are joined together, but the pull-out force can be compensated by a shear force generated at a section of the base portion. As a result, it is possible to obtain the seat sliding device 1 in which a significant decrease in an engaging force can be inhibited.

In the releasing member 9, the sectional shape of the portion where the engagement groove 9C is arranged is a closed sectional shape, and the engagement groove 9C and the releasing member 9 are one piece of metal. This makes it possible to form the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E, easily and to improve stiffness of the releasing member 9.

The first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 74B are provided at a position allowing for contact with the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E. This achieves the configuration in which the leading ends of the first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 74B are within the engagement groove 9C. Thus, a configuration is enabled in which a bending moment to increase an angle between the first engaging portion 74A and the first linear portion 73A and an angle between the second engaging portion 74B and the second linear portion 73B is less likely to act on the engaging portion 74.

As shown in FIG. 12, the position in which the engaging portion 74 contacts the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 93 is between the one height-direction end and the other height-direction end of the releasing member 9. This makes it possible to reduce a height dimension of the movable-side rail 5, and thus of the seat sliding device 1, as compared with a configuration in which the engaging portion 74 engages with the releasing member 9 at a position displaced from the releasing member 9 in the height direction.

As shown in FIG. 13, contact of the two side walls 5A and 5B with the linear portion 73 inhibits the engaging portion 74 from being displaced in a direction away from the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E. This reliably enables the configuration in which the bending moment to increase the angle between the engaging portion 74 and the linear portion 73 is less likely to act on the engaging portion 74.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first limiting portion 5G and the second limiting portion 5H are provided between the first and/or second engaged surfaces 9D and/or 9E and the lock portion 7A. This inhibits the releasing member 9 from being displaced in a direction approximately parallel to the protruding direction of the engaging portion 74 with respect to the movable-side rail 5. Thus, the configuration is reliably enabled in which the bending moment to increase the angle between the engaging portion 74 and the linear portion 73 is less likely to act on the engaging portion 74.

As shown in FIG. 12, the inclined guide surfaces 9G and 9H are each provided at the one height-direction end side (in the present embodiment, at the lower end side) of the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E, respectively. This enables easy engagement of the engaging portion 74 with the engagement groove 9C.

As shown in FIG. 15, the restricting portion 56 is provided that inhibits the distance between the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the lid wall 5C from being equal to or less than the end height dimension T1 of the releasing member 9. This enables the operator to easily insert the releasing member 9 into the movable-side rail 5 from the one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5 and to assemble the releasing member 9 to the movable-side rail 5.

When the operator inserts the releasing member 9 into the movable-side rail 5, if the first elastically deforming portion 7B is closer to the lid wall 5C the releasing member 9 cannot be inserted into the movable-side rail 5 because the first elastically deforming portion 7B becomes an obstacle.

However, in the present embodiment, the restricting portion 56 that inhibits the distance between the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the lid wall 5C from being equal to or less than the end height dimension T1 of the releasing member 9 is provided at the one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5.

Thus, it is possible to inhibit the first elastically deforming portion 7B from becoming the obstacle when the releasing member 9 is inserted into the movable-side rail 5. As a result, easy insertion of the releasing member 9 into the movable-side rail 5 can be achieved.

The restricting portion 56 is configured with the protruding pieces protruding from the side wall 5A toward the side wall 5B and from the side wall 5B toward the side wall 5A, and the protruding pieces constituting the restricting portion 56 are inclined with respect to the height direction.

Due to such a configuration, the linear portions 73A and 73B respectively in contact with the first and second restricting portions 56A and 56B may be respectively held between the first restricting portion 56A and the side wall 5A and between the second restricting portion 56B and the side wall 5B. Thus, it can be more reliably inhibited that the first elastically deforming portion 7B hinders insertion of the releasing member 9.

The sliding contact portion 9J, with which the engaging portion 74 is slidingly contactable, is provided to the portion that is on the side of the first elastically deforming portion 7B in the releasing member 9 and that extends from the side of the lock portion 7A to the engagement groove 9C. This enables easy insertion of the releasing member 9 into the movable-side rail 5.

In the meantime, in Patent Document 1, a cut-and-raised piece with which a portion corresponding to the engaging portion 76 engages is shaped into an L-like shape by being cut and raised from the side wall such that a joining portion at which the cut-and-raised piece and the side wall are joined together is positioned vertically lower than a leading-end portion of the cut-and-raised piece, i.e., positioned on a fixed-side rail side.

Assuming that a length from the joining portion to the leading-end portion along the L-like-shaped cut-and-raised piece is referred to as a “required cut-and-raised length”, a portion in which the cut-and-raised piece is provided is inevitably to contain a through-hole (hereinafter referred to as a cut-and-raised hole) having a length larger than that of the “required cut-and-raised length”.

Thus, in the invention according to Patent Document 1, it is difficult to make a vertical dimension of the movable-side rail smaller than the “required cut-and-raised length”. If the vertical dimension of the movable-side rail is made smaller than the “required cut-and-raised length”, the cut-and-raised hole is inevitably to extend over the lid wall.

Thus, it is feared that a geometrical moment of inertia of the movable-side rail becomes smaller to thereby reduce the flexural rigidity of the movable-side rail significantly. Accordingly, it is difficult to reduce the vertical dimension of the movable-side rail.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the cut-and-raised piece 55 is formed such that the joining portion 55B at which the cut-and-raised piece 55 and each of the side walls 5A and 5B are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5 with respect to the corresponding leading-end portion 55C.

Since the seat sliding device 1 is mounted to a vehicle or the like such that the direction approximately parallel to the direction from the side of the lid wall 5C toward the open side of the movable-side rail 5 corresponds to the vertical direction, a direction of the “required cut-and-raised length” corresponds to a horizontal direction, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the movable-side rail 5.

Accordingly, it can be inhibited that the cut-and-raised hole extends over the lid wall 5C, and thus, reduction of the vertical dimension of the movable-side rail 5 is enabled while inhibiting reduction of the flexural rigidity of the movable-side rail 5.

Furthermore, since the cut-and-raised piece 55 is formed such that the joining portion 55B at which the cut-and-raised piece 55 and each of the side walls 5A and 5B are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5 with respect to the corresponding leading-end portion 55C, it can be inhibited that the cut-and-raised piece 55 becomes the obstacle when the second elastically deforming portion 7C engages with the engaged portion 55A and when the second elastically deforming portion 7C is elastically deformed.

Second Embodiment

The first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E according to the first embodiment constitute the wall surfaces continuous from one end to the other end in the width direction of the releasing member 9. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, the releasing member 9 according to the present embodiment comprises a connecting portion 9K that connects the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E to each other.

The connecting portion 9K according to the present embodiment connects an approximately central portion of the first engaged surface 9D in the width direction and an approximately central portion of the second engaged surface 9E in the width direction to each other. The connecting portion 9K connects the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E to each other throughout a depth direction (in the present embodiment, the up-down direction) of the engagement groove 9C.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the connecting portion 9K according to the present embodiment is formed integrally with the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E. That is, the connecting portion 9K, the first engaged surface 9D, and the second engaged surface 9E are one piece formed in the releasing member 9 by plastic processing.

This enables reduction of stress concentration on connection portions where the bottom portion 9F of the engagement groove 9C are connected to the first engaged surface 9D and to the second engaged surface 9E. Thus, crack initiation in the connection portions due to fatigue or the like can be inhibited.

Since the engagement groove 9C according to the present embodiment has been formed by plastically processing the releasing member 9, toughness of the connecting portions has been decreased due to work-hardening. Thus, crack initiation in the connection portions due to fatigue or the like is likely to occur.

In the present embodiment, however, stress concentration on the connecting portions can be reduced, and thus, crack initiation in the connection portions due to fatigue or the like can be inhibited. Constituent elements and so on that are the same as those in the first embodiment are assigned with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. Thus, explanation of such constituent elements are not repeated here.

Third Embodiment

A seat sliding device 100 according to the present embodiment has the same structure as that of a seat sliding device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-166434, except for a structure in which a releasing lever 105 and a loop handle 101 are coupled to each other (sec FIG. 18).

Constituent elements and so on that are the same as those in the first embodiment are assigned with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. Thus, explanation of such constituent elements are not repeated in the descriptions below. An explanation of the seat sliding device 100 according to the present embodiment will be given below, focusing on differences from the seat sliding device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-166434.

1. Structure of Seat Sliding Device

As shown in FIG. 19, the seat sliding device 100 comprises at least the fixed-side rail 3, the movable-side rail 5, a lock spring 106 comprising the lock portion 7A, the releasing lever 105, the loop handle 101, and a flat spring 103.

As shown in FIG. 18, the loop handle 101 is one example of an operation portion coupled to one end side of the releasing lever 105 in the extending direction (in the present embodiment, to the vehicle front side), and is a handle to be operated by a user.

Specifically, the operation portion 13 according to the first embodiment is formed integrally with the releasing member 9. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the loop handle 101 is coupled to the releasing lever 105 via the flat spring 103 as shown in FIG. 20.

The lock spring 106, the releasing lever 105, and the flat spring 103 each have the same structure as that of, respectively, a lock spring, a releasing lever, and a flat spring disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-166434, and thus, detailed explanation is omitted here.

The flat spring 103 is a member to couple the loop handle 101 to the releasing lever 105. As shown in FIG. 21, the flat spring 103 comprises a body portion 103A having an approximately U-like shape or an approximately J-like shape for supporting the loop handle 101.

The body portion 103A comprises a first engaging piece 103B and a second engaging piece 103C that protrude from the body portion 103A in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the loop handle 101 (in the present embodiment, in the vehicle width direction).

Specifically, the first engaging piece 103B is a protruding piece that protrudes from the body portion 103A toward a vehicle left side. The second engaging piece 103C is a protruding piece that protrudes from the body portion 103A toward a vehicle right side.

The first engaging piece 103B and the second engaging piece 103C are the same as a downward engaging piece (75) in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-166434. The reference numeral in the parentheses is a reference numeral used in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-166434.

As shown in FIG. 22, the loop handle 101 comprises an engagement portion 102. The engagement portion 102 is a portion with which the first engaging piece 103B and the second engaging piece 103C are caught and engage.

The engagement portion 102 comprises at least a first engaged surface 102A, a second engaged surface 102B, and a connecting portion 102D. The first engaged surface 102A and the second engaged surface 102B are surfaces that are approximately perpendicular to the extending direction of the loop handle 101, i.e., to the vehicle front-rear direction.

The first engaged surface 102A is a surface that can contact the first engaging piece 103B and the second engaging piece 103C from one end side in the extending direction. The second engaged surface 102B is a surface that faces the first engaged surface 102A in the extending direction and that can contact the first engaging piece 103B and the second engaging piece 103C from the other end side in the extending direction.

The connecting portion 102D is a wall portion that extends in a direction parallel to the extending direction and that connects the first engaged surface 102A and the second engaged surface 1028 to each other. The connecting portion 102D according to the present embodiment connects a central portion of the first engaged surface 102A in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) and a central portion of the second engaged surface 102B in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) to each other.

The loop handle 101 according to the present embodiment is one piece comprising the engagement portion 102 (the first engaged surface 102A, the second engaged surface 102B, and the connecting portion 102D). Specifically, the engagement portion 102 is formed integrally with the loop handle 101 by plastically processing a tube such as a round pipe.

2. Feature of Seat Sliding Device

An engagement groove (67) disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-166434 is configured with a “cut-out” arranged in a pipe member constituting a loop handle (60). Thus, crack initiation due to stress concentration may occur in the engagement groove (67).

The engagement groove (67) corresponds to the engagement portion 102 according to the present embodiment. The reference numerals in the parentheses are reference numerals used in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-166434.

As compared with the engagement groove (67), the engagement portion 102 according to the present embodiment comprises the connecting portion 1021, and thus, stress concentration on the engagement portion 102 can be reduced. Accordingly, crack initiation in the engagement portion 102 due to fatigue or the like can be inhibited.

Other Embodiments

The first engaged surface 90 and the second engaged surface 9E according to the above-described embodiment constitute wall surfaces continuous from one end to the other end in the width direction of the releasing member 9. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, a width-direction middle part of each of the first engaged surface 90 and the second engaged surface 98 is cut off.

Specifically, since the engaging portion 74 only has to have a configuration to be held between the first engaged surface 90 and the second engaged surface 98 (hereinafter referred to as a held configuration), it is sufficient that a width-direction length of the first engaged surface 90 and the second engaged surface 9E is a length that achieves the held configuration. Such length is, for example, at least equal to an outermost diameter dimension of the engaging portion 74 or greater.

In the above-described embodiment, the first and second engaged surfaces 9D and 9E are formed integrally with the releasing member 9. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration such as, for example, following configurations (a) to (c) may be employed.

(a) a configuration in which the first and second engaged surfaces 9D and 9E, which have been produced separately from the releasing member 9, are joined by welding or the like, or assembled and fixed by a mechanical fastener such as a screw

(b) a configuration in which, in a case where the releasing member 9 is configured to have a C-like or U-like open sectional shape similarly to the movable side rail 5, side walls of the releasing member 9 are cut and raised to thereby achieve integral formation of the first and second engaged surfaces 9D and 9E and the releasing member 9

(c) a configuration in which, in the case where the releasing member 9 is configured to have a C-like or U-like open sectional shape similarly to the movable-side rail 5, side walls of the releasing member 9 are subjected to burring or the like to thereby achieve integral formation of the first and second engaged surfaces 9D and 9E and the releasing member 9

In the above-described embodiment, the sectional shape of the portion where the engagement groove 9C is arranged in the releasing member 9 is a closed sectional shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the releasing member 9 having C-like or U-like open sectional shape may be employed.

In the above-described embodiment, the first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 74B are positioned at the position allowing for contact with the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 93, and the leading ends of the first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 743 are each positioned at the extending-direction center of the engagement groove 9C.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, the linear portion 73 is configured with a single member and the engaging portion 74 provided to such a linear portion 73 can contact the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E.

The engaging portion 74 according to the above-described embodiment comprises the first engaging portion 74A and the second engaging portion 74B.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration in which only either the first engaging portion 74A or the second engaging portion 74B is provided or a configuration similar to that of the engaging portion 76 may be employed. Alternatively, the engaging portion 76 may be configured with two portions similarly to the engaging portion 74.

The connecting portion 9K according to the second embodiment connects the approximately central portion of the first engaged surface 9D in the width direction and the approximately central portion of the second engaged surface 9E in the width direction to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Specifically, the connecting portion 9K may connect, for example, one end side of the first engaged surface 9D in the width direction and one end side of the second engaged surface 9E in the width direction to each other.

The connecting portion 9K according to the second embodiment connects the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E to each other throughout the depth direction of the engagement groove 9C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Specifically, the connecting portion 9K may connect, for example, a lower end of the first engaged surface 9D and a lower end of the second engaged surface 9E to each other. The lower ends of the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E are positioned on an opening side of the engagement groove 9C.

In the above-described embodiment, the two side walls 5A and 5B constitute wall surfaces approximately perpendicular to the protruding direction of the engaging portion 74 to thereby limit the position of the engaging portion 74. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this and, for example, a portion to limit the position of the engaging portion 74 may be provided separately.

In the above-described embodiment, the guide surfaces 9G and 9H, which are respectively inclined with respect to the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E, are respectively provided at the one height-direction end side of the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration without the guide surfaces 9G and 9H may be employed.

In the above-described embodiment, the position in which the engaging portion 74 contacts the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E is between the upper end and the lower end of the releasing member 9 in the portion where the engagement groove 9C is provided. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

For example, a configuration may be employed in which the upper ends or the lower ends of the first engaged surface 9D and the second engaged surface 9E extend to a position displaced in the height direction with respect to the releasing member 9 and the engaging portion 74 contacts such an extended portion.

In the above-described embodiment, the first limiting portion 5G and the second limiting portion 5H are provided to the movable-side rail 5. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration without the first limiting portion 5G or the second limiting portion 5H may be employed.

The cut-and-raised piece 55 according to the above-described embodiment is shaped into the approximately L-like shape by being cut and raised such that the joining portion 55B at which the cut-and-raised piece 55 and each of the side walls 5A and 5B are joined together is positioned on the other longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5 with respect to the corresponding leading-end portion 55C.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, the cut-and-raised piece 55 is formed by being cut and raised such that the joining portion 55B at which the cut-and-raised piece 55 and each of the side walls 5A and 5B are joined together is positioned on the one longitudinal end side of the movable-side rail 5 with respect to the corresponding leading-end portion 55C.

In the above-described embodiment, the cut-and-raised piece 55 is provided to each of the side walls 5A and 5B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the cut-and-raised piece 55 is provided to either one of the side wall 5A or the side wall 5B.

As shown in FIG. 15, the restricting portion 56 according to the above-described embodiment is provided to each of the two side walls 5A and 5B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the restricting portion 56 is provided to either one of the side wall 5A or the side wall 5B, or a configuration without the restricting portion 56 may be employed.

The restricting portion 56 according to the above-described embodiment is provided at the position allowing for contact with the linear portion 73 and the extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion 73. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, the restricting portion 56 can contact only either one of the linear portion 73 or the extending-direction leading end portion of the linear portion 73.

Each restricting portion 56 according to the above-described embodiment is configured with the cut-and-raised piece formed by cutting and raising part of the side walls 5A and 5B, and is inclined with respect to the height direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this and, for example, each restricting portion 56 may be configured with a separate member and may be assembled to the movable-side rail 5.

In the above-described embodiment, the sliding contact portion 9J is provided on the portion extending from the side of the lock portion 7A to the engagement groove 9C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the sliding contact portion 9J may be omitted.

The lock spring 7 according to the above-described embodiment is one piece with the first elastically deforming portion 7B, the lock portion 7A, and the second elastically deforming portion 7C formed by bending the single linear material.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to this and, for example, the first elastically deforming portion 7B, the lock portion 7A, and the second elastically deforming portion 7C may be produced as separate parts and may be assembled together and integrated. Alternatively, a configuration without the second elastically deforming portion 7C may be employed.

The linear material constituting the lock spring 7 according to the above-described embodiment has a circular sectional shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the lock spring 7 may be configured with a linear material having, for example, a rectangular sectional shape.

The first elastically deforming portion 7B and the second elastically deforming portion 7C are elastically deforming portions respectively comprising the linear portions 73 and 75 of a linear shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first elastically deforming portion 7B and the second elastically deforming portion 7C each may be configured with, for example, a strip-plate-like flat spring.

The releasing member 9 according to the above-described embodiment is one piece formed integrally with the operation portion 13. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which, for example, the operation portion 13 is a separate part detachable from the releasing member 9, or in which a loop handle or the like, instead of the operation portion 13, can be attached to the releasing member 9.

The fixed-side rail 3 and the movable-side rail 5 according to the above-described embodiment is of metal. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the fixed-side rail 3 and the movable-side rail 5 may be made of other material such as resin.

In the above-described embodiment, the explanation has been made about the seat sliding device that slidably supports the rear seat of a car. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and features of the present disclosure can be applied to a front seat of a car and a vehicle seat or the like, such as a seat for a railroad vehicle, a seat for an airplane, and a seat for a ship.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments as long as the present disclosure meets the gist of the disclosure recited in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat sliding device that slidably supports a seat, the seat sliding device comprising: a fixed-side rail; a movable-side rail that is slidable with respect to the fixed-side rail and that is configured to support the seat; a lock portion that is displaceable between a restraint position, in which sliding of the movable-side rail with respect to the fixed-side rail is restrained, and a release position, in which such restraint is eliminated; a releasing lever that is configured to displace the lock portion to the release position; a handle that is coupled to the releasing lever and that is operated by a user; a flat spring that couples the handle to the releasing lever and that comprises a body portion of an approximately U-like shape or an approximately J-like shape configured to support the handle, the flat spring comprising a pair of engaging pieces that protrude from the body portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the handle and that engage with the handle; and an engagement portion provided to the handle, the engagement portion comprising: a first engaged surface that is contactable with the pair of engaging pieces from one extending-direction end side of the handle; a second engaged surface that is contactable with the pair of engaging pieces from the other extending-direction end side of the handle; a connecting portion that connects the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface to each other; and a bottom surface that intersects with the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface, wherein the connecting portion protrudes from the bottom surface.
 2. The seat sliding device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion protrudes from the bottom surface into a space defined between the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface.
 3. The seat sliding device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion intersects with the first engaged surface, the second engaged surface and the bottom surface.
 4. A seat sliding device that slidably supports a seat, the seat sliding device comprising: a fixed-side rail; a movable-side rail that is slidable with respect to the fixed-side rail and that is configured to support the seat; a lock portion that is displaceable between a restraint position, in which sliding of the movable-side rail with respect to the fixed-side rail is restrained, and a release position, in which such restraint is eliminated; a releasing lever that is configured to displace the lock portion to the release position; a handle that is coupled to the releasing lever and that is operated by a user; a flat spring that couples the handle to the releasing lever and that comprises a body portion of an approximately U-like shape or an approximately J-like shape configured to support the handle, the flat spring comprising a pair of engaging pieces that protrude from the body portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the handle and that engage with the handle; and an engagement portion provided to the handle, the engagement portion comprising: a first engaged surface that is contactable with the pair of engaging pieces from one extending-direction end side of the handle; a second engaged surface that is contactable with the pair of engaging pieces from the other extending-direction end side of the handle; and a connecting portion that connects the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface to each other, wherein the connecting portion connects a central portion of the first engaged surface and a central portion of the second engaged surface to each other in a width direction of the movable-side rail.
 5. A seat sliding device that slidably supports a seat, the seat sliding device comprising: a fixed-side rail; a movable-side rail that is slidable with respect to the fixed-side rail and that is configured to support the seat; a lock portion that is displaceable between a restraint position, in which sliding of the movable-side rail with respect to the fixed-side rail is restrained, and a release position, in which such restraint is eliminated; a releasing lever that is configured to displace the lock portion to the release position; a handle that is coupled to the releasing lever and that is operated by a user; a flat spring that couples the handle to the releasing lever and that comprises a body portion of an approximately U-like shape or an approximately J-like shape configured to support the handle, the flat spring comprising a pair of engaging pieces that protrude from the body portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to an extending direction of the handle and that engage with the handle; and an engagement portion provided to the handle, the engagement portion comprising: a first engaged surface that is contactable with the pair of engaging pieces from one extending-direction end side of the handle; a second engaged surface that is contactable with the pair of engaging pieces from the other extending-direction end side of the handle; and a connecting portion that connects the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface to each other, wherein the connecting portion has a plate shape, and wherein a thickness direction of the connecting portion is parallel to a width direction of the movable-side rail. 